Speaking Of the Barbary Pirates

Major General Walt Gaskin emailed Spirit of America about the swords:

Dear Mr. Hake,

On behalf of the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, of Multi National Force - West, in the Anbar Province, Iraq, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the kind and generous donation of fourteen Marine Officer Swords from Spirit of America. Each sword has been carefully earmarked for presentation to the tribal sheikhs who have risked much allying their tribes with MNF-W to rid their tribal lands and cities of terrorists and insurgent criminal elements. Between 14 and 27 January 2008, MNF-W will be presenting these impressive symbols of soldierly virtue to the Paramount Sheikhs of the major tribes from within the Anbar Province. From Fallujah to the border city of Al Qaim near Syria, and many points in between, the tribes have risked much to defend their people, their way of life and to restore peace. Their efforts continue to this day as they take advantage of their new found security and use it to the benefit of democracy and liberty. Thanks to your support and the generosity of Spirit of America, these swords have been a very impressive centerpiece to this presentation program, one that has forged our relationship with the tribes as we continue to see peace expand within Iraq.

During each of the sword presentation ceremonies the tribal sheikhs have been visibly moved by the gesture of being presented a sword, for an Arab sheikh the ultimate symbol of the warrior ethos. In each case, the sheikhs have committed themselves to working more closely with coalition forces to continue to forge a path of peace and economic prosperity within Al Anbar. Spirit of America can stand proud to have been such a vital partner in these presentations.

Semper Fidelis and Very Respectfully,
Walt Gaskin

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